[Vision2020] Clarification: Re: Coral Reefs: CO2 Source or Sink? Re: Four Levels of Global Warming: A Climate Change Update

[Robert Dickow]

Yes, coral as a class is ancient. But the past ages' highs and lows of CO2
concentrations and their effects on earth's life forms have to be seen in
light of the rate of change. Right now the rate of increase in CO2
concentrations and global climate change is unusually rapid. The corals of
the past would have hundreds of thousands of years to 'adjust' (I'll avoid
the word 'evolve' for now, in consideration of some readers on this list who
may have problems with that.)  Now the corals are just 'bleaching' out and
dying in many places. And the problem is not just with corals, which I'm
sure will still be around for a while despite their problems. It is that
they often are parts of delicate ecosystems that support all sorts of other
creatures, and a whole group of critters may be in peril of being upset.
And, finally, the fishing industry may be affected, and thus, the bottom
line is at risk. We just CAN'T HAVE THAT! ;-)

Bob Dickow, troublemaker 

-----Original Message-----
From: vision2020-bounces at moscow.com [mailto:vision2020-bounces at moscow.com]
On Behalf Of Paul Rumelhart
Sent: Saturday, December 18, 2010 3:09 PM
To: Sam Scripter

<snip>
I have read about this, too.  I don't know what to think about the 
effects of ocean acidification on coral reefs.  Scientists paint a bleak 
picture about rising CO2 levels, ocean warming, and the effects on 
coral.  On the other hand, coral has been around in one form or another 
since Precambrian times, 500+ million years ago.  During that 500+ 
million years, the CO2 levels have been as high as 4500+ ppm (we're at 
around 387 now, iirc), and the temperatures have been as high as 10 C 
higher than they are now in that same time period.  
<snip>
Paul
<snip>